Join local author Shannon M. Parker on Thursday, July 31 at 6 p.m. at Footbridge Brewery in Boothbay Harbor as she discusses her third novel, “Love & Lobsters."  Celebrated by Down East as “a love letter to Maine,” Parker’s book has been optioned for film and is Maine Public Radio’s August pick for “All Books Considered.”

While Parker relied on talks with Maine lobster fishers and the wide body of research around lobster behavior to inform her novel, she also drew from the pervasive commitment to community, care and sustainability cultivated by Mainers.

“Lobsters serve as the perfect analogy for love. They can teach us a lot about when to shed our hard shells and how to build trust,” Parker said. “And Maine lobstermen have so much wisdom to share when it comes to care. Their intuitive sustainability practices show respect to elders, juveniles, and egg-bearing females to ensure a healthy community."

Parker draws on these themes of community, care, and unexpected connection in "Love & Lobsters." Parker’s novel invites readers to think of exceptional love like an exceptional catch: finding that rare 1-in-100-million cotton candy lobster.

“Love & Lobsters" isn’t a typical romance; it showcases the intergenerational love between grandmother and granddaughter, best friend love that keeps us anchored, and love of community that buoys our spirits.

Parker will sign copies of “Love & Lobsters” at the event where they will be available for purchase, or readers can pick up their copies at any Sherman’s locations throughout Maine. More information about the book can be found at www.loveandlobsters.com.

Oceans on Tap is a free event that presents a unique opportunity to gather and build community. Their monthly offerings are vibrant and diverse, drawing a full house gathering for each month​.